The Kyrie Irving era is over in Cleveland. The 2011 first overall pick was traded today (August 22) to the Boston Celtics. The Cleveland Cavaliers get Isaiah Thomas, forward Jae Crowder, center Ante Zizic and Brooklyn's 2018 unprotected first-round pick.

Irving reportedly requested to be traded after a July meeting with team owner Dan Gilbert. Irving wanted to play for a team where he would be the focal point, and especially wanted to get away from teammate Lebron James, according to sources.

Isaiah Thomas, on the other hand, is coming off his best season as a pro, averaging 28.9 points and 5.9 assists over 33.8 minutes per game during the regular season. He is coming off an injury to his hip which kept him out of the Celtics final three playoff games last season.

Irving, 25, has has three years and $60 million left on his contract, but he can opt out of the final year before the 2019-20 season. Thomas, 28, will become a free agent when his contract expires at the end of June. Thomas has said he believes he's worthy of a maximum contract.

The trade will make for an interesting opener for both teams. The Celtics and Cavaliers open the season in Cleveland on Oct. 17.

Ezekiel Elliott stands on the sideline during the Dallas Cowboys' preseason game against Miami. (Ron Jenkins / Associated Press)

The season hasn't started yet but the Dallas Cowboys are already taking Ls. The NFL announced Friday (August 11) that last year's Rookie of the Year, star running back Ezekiel Elliott, will have to serve a six game ban to start the season.

The suspension was brought on mostly by a 2016 accusation of domestic violence made by Elliott's former girlfriend. The prosecutors in Columbus, Ohio declined to press charges, however the NFL still did there own investigation. While Elliott was able to avoid the traditional criminal charges, the NFL investigation uncover a pattern of behavior that they consider detrimental to the league and they issued the suspension.

Below is the NFL's official explanation of the suspension:

“Ezekiel Elliott of the Dallas Cowboys was notified today by the NFL that he will be suspended without pay for the team’s first six 2017 regular-season games for violating the league’s Personal Conduct Policy.“Over the course of the last year, the league conducted an extensive investigation. League investigators interviewed more than a dozen witnesses, including Ms. Tiffany Thompson, who had alleged multiple instances of physical violence in July 2016, and Mr. Elliott. The league also consulted with medical experts. League investigators examined all available evidence, including photographic and digital evidence, thousands of text messages and other records of electronic communications.“Pursuant to the Personal Conduct Policy, Commissioner Goodell sought the views of four external advisors (see below) to assist him in evaluating potential violations. These experts range in experience from law enforcement, judicial and public service, and other specialized subject areas.“The advisors participated in a meeting on June 26, 2017 in New York City with Elliott, who was represented by his legal team and the NFL Players Association. The group also reviewed the league’s investigative reports and materials, the expert medical reports, and multiple NFL Players Association submissions on Elliott’s behalf.“In a letter to Elliott advising him of the decision, Todd Jones, the NFL’s Special Counsel for Conduct, said these advisors ‘were of the view that there is substantial and persuasive evidence supporting a finding that [Elliott] engaged in physical violence against Ms. Thompson on multiple occasions during the week of July 16, 2016.’“After reviewing the record, and having considered the views of the independent advisors, the commissioner determined that the credible evidence established that Elliott engaged in conduct that violated NFL policy.“Elliott may appeal this decision within three days. If he does not appeal, Elliott’s suspension will begin September 2, the day of final roster reductions for NFL teams. He is eligible to participate in all preseason practices and games. Elliott will be eligible to return to the team’s active roster on Monday, October 23 following the Cowboys’ Sunday, October 22 game against the San Francisco 49ers.”

The NFL Players Association has said they are review the decision. Elliott will most likely appeal the suspension, if only as a means to shorten the amount of games, but he has yet to say what he will do. Elliott has three days to file for the appeal.

Elliott was a key piece of the Cowboys’ NFC East championship team last season. As a rookie, he led the NFL in rushing. He had 1,631 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns after Dallas used the fourth overall pick to draft him last year.